First National Bank donates to EITC Fund

JOHNSTOWN — First National Bank recently donated $3,000 to the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation, with the contribution being directed toward the College’s Educational Income Tax Credit (EITC) fund, further supporting its mission and initiatives.

This donation will empower the bank and other institutions to contribute to the educational initiatives offered by the college.

By maintaining its EITC status and with the support of this exceptional contribution, Penn Highlands will be able to provide classes at a reduced price for students in the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Program and those enrolled in dual enrollment.

“We are proud to partner with First National Bank through the EITC program,” said Carole VanMeter, director of the college foundation. “Their investment helps us expand ACE and Dual Enrollment programs, ensuring students can earn college credits early and build a strong foundation for future success.”

EITC supports high school students by offering the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses.

Through this program, students can earn credits and gain insight into the potential futures that Penn Highlands can provide them with.

Since 2023, the EITC Program has now received more than $40,000 in funding, enabling the College to provide more than 2,000 participating students with more than 7,000 credits at discounted rates.

Penn Highlands plans Literacy Night

JOHNSTOWN — Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the Caring for Cubs Education Club will host the fourth annual Children’s Literacy Night from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, at the college’s Richland Campus.

Children’s Literacy Night is a free event open to all children from newborn to age 8. Designed to foster literacy skills and promote a love for reading, this special evening offers an opportunity to support academic development and introduce young learners to the world of literature.

Current Early Childhood Education and Education students will supervise children at various literacy stations. Every station will offer a hands-on activity that suits the children’s developmental stage, encouraging active engagement.

Each station will last approximately 10 minutes.

The tentative schedule follows:

5 to 5:30 p.m. — Registration, check-in and free pizza/drinks.

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Literary Rotations

Parents or guardians must attend the event with their child.

Children’s Literacy Night is sponsored by the Penn Highlands Community College Caring for Cubs Education Club, Keystone State Literacy Association, YMCA, Beginnings, Inc., Cambria County Library, United Way of Southern Alleghenies, Junior Achievement and The Learning Lamp.

To learn more and to register, visit the college website’s events feed or the Literacy Night event webpage directly at www

.pennhighlands.edu

/literacynight/.

Students complete culinary externships

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Two area students have completed requirements for graduation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Academy of Culinary Arts, including a four-month paid externship. They are:

n Lily Richardson of Gallitzin, daughter of Anna Marie Richardson and Daniel Richardson Jr. and a graduate of Penn Cambria High School, Cresson.

Richardson completed the Baking and Pastry Arts program. She received perfect attendance, high honors and dean’s list honors and completed an externship at Omni Bedford Springs in Bedford.

n Ava Rokosky of Altoona, daughter of James and Mindy Rokosky and a graduate of Altoona Area High School.

Rokosky completed the Baking and Pastry Arts program. She received first place in the Hot Foods Competition, First Place in the American Culinary Federation Holiday Cookie Competition, a Punxsutawney Endowed Scholarship, awards Perfect Attendance and Academic Excellence. She completed an externship at The Boca Raton in Boca Raton, Fla.